Google’s AI Search Feature Raises Concerns Over Scam and Malware Promotion

Google recently launched its new Search Generative Experience (SGE), which features AI-generated search results on select pages. However, the rollout has encountered some issues, with reports suggesting that Google’s AI search feature is inadvertently promoting scam and malware-laden sites in its generated responses.

This development poses a challenge for Google’s AI-driven search results, especially amid existing doubts about the reliability of Google’s AI. Notably, Google has opted not to include its latest models in the base Pixel 8, fueling speculation about the technology’s effectiveness. Despite these concerns, Google remains committed to advancing its AI initiatives, despite these recent setbacks.

Google’s AI Search Feature Raises Concerns Over Scam and Malware Promotion

According to BleepingComputer, Google’s search results are displaying spammy and malicious sites in various responses. This raises the risk of users falling victim to scams, particularly if this issue extends to a broader audience with varying levels of AI familiarity.

BleepingComputer’s investigation revealed that when searching for “puppies for sale,” they were presented with AI-generated responses directing them to spammy websites potentially laden with malware. Clicking on these links led to multiple redirects, eventually landing users on scam sites. Many of these sites mimicked YouTube push notifications, aiming to persuade users to allow notifications, which then bombarded them with spam, including advertisements for tech support scams and fake giveaways.

It’s worth noting that during the author’s investigation, they activated Google’s SGE functionality in Chrome. However, none of their searches returned AI-generated responses; instead, all searches indicated that no AI responses were available. This suggests that Google may be actively addressing the issue. Nonetheless, the incident highlights the ongoing challenge faced by the tech giant in combating spam and malware on its platform.